And we're off to the races ...

Unfortunately, the most interesting race happening this weekend 1) is in Winston-Salem and 2) has reached registration capacity. It's called Ultimate Runner and challenges all 108 participants to complete 1-mile, 400-meter, 800-meter, 100-meter and 5-kilometer races -- in that order; lowest combined time for the five events is named "The Ultimate Runner."

It's otherwise a fairly quiet weekend for racing in the Charlotte area as we prepare to cross the halfway point for the year 2009. (Wasn't it just Christmas like a month ago??)

Anyway, let's get to it.

Run for Hunger
What: 5K and 1-mile kids' Fun Run (for children up to age 12).
When: 5K is at 8 a.m. Saturday; Fun Run follows at 9.
Cost: $25 for the 5K, $10 for the Fun Run.
Where: 8590 Park Drive in Mount Pleasant. Both races start at Town Hall, behind the Mount Pleasant Fire Department.
Why: Proceeds will go to the Mount Pleasant Food Ministry, which serves needy families in the community.
Of note: Runners will traverse a "scenic," "country" course that goes through the town's historic district. The event kicks off the Mount Pleasant Independence Day Celebration (a parade and carnival will follow the race).
To register: Click here. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

Del Monte 5K and Fun Run
What: 5K run and fun run.
When: 5K start is at 8 a.m. Saturday. Fun run is at 8:45 (for children up to age 12).
Cost: 5K is $20 if paid by Wednesday, $25 on race day; fun run is $10.
Where: Start and finish is at Marvin Elementary School, 9700 Marvin-Weddington Road in Waxhaw.
Why: Proceeds benefit the Siskey YMCA's community outreach programs.
Of note: The Fun Run course is about half a mile. Says Jennifer Dodson, senior fitness director for the Siskey Y in Matthews: "There is no track at the school, so we have the kids do two laps around the perimeter of a small soccer field the school has."
Race brochure: Click here. To register: Click here.

Know of any other races happening this weekend?